Jack Cade’s Revolt, by Charles Dickens

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This did divide them; some of Jack’s men saying that they ought to take the conditions which were offered, and others saying that they ought not, for they were only a snare; some going home at once; others staying where they were; and all doubting and quarrelling among themselves.

Jack, who was in two minds about fighting or accepting a pardon, and who indeed did both, saw at last that there was nothing to expect from his men, and that it was very likely some of them would deliver him up and get a reward of a thousand marks, which was offered for his apprehension. So, after they had travelled and quarrelled all the way from Southwark to Blackheath, and from Blackheath to Rochester, he mounted a good horse and galloped away into Sussex. But, there galloped after him, on a better horse, one Alexander Iden, who came up with him, had a hard fight with him, and killed him. Jack’s head was set aloft on London Bridge, with the face looking towards Blackheath, where he had raised his flag; and Alexander Iden got the thousand marks.

by Charles Dickens 1812-1870

From ‘A Child’s History of England’ by Charles Dickens.

Précis

The divide and rule strategy proved effective. The rebels drew off, still debating their best course, first to Blackheath, and then to Rochester. There Cade abandoned them and fled, but was overtaken by the King’s men in Sussex and mortally wounded. His head was later set up on London Bridge and his captor received a handsome reward.

Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

Why was Jack Cade never brought to trial?

Suggestion

Because he was killed during his arrest.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Iden captured Cade. He died of his wounds. He did not stand trial.

See if you can include one or more of these words in your answer.

IBefore. IIMortal. IIISuffer.

Précis

Questions for Critics

Sevens

Jigsaws

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